s.rae meisinger – author and freelance writer

Tag Archives: free

So, something remarkable happened to me today and I really wanted to share it with everyone. This thing that happened to me is called TUEBL. The Ultimate eBook Library. And dang, friends, is it cool.

Now, I’m a huge fan of literature in all forms. I love visiting the library and bringing home those physical copies, but since working in school and public libraries, I’ve developed a serious love for eBooks and audiobooks, as well. So long as people are reading (and I have something interesting to read), I’m a happy camper.

The best thing about digital media, though, is how accessible it is. I worked for a branch that, before its renovation, had once been nothing more than a bookmobile. Aside from a video store, a school, a grocery store, and a few restaurants, there wasn’t much to this place, so the library was a wellspring of entertainment and resources. The point being, it’s easy for me to think of a place where the closest library is 20 miles away. Free resources are great, but only great for those who can get to them. In the digital age, all it takes is an Internet connection to have the world at your fingertips.

And TUEBL makes it even easier.

I love OverDrive, but it requires a library membership. TUEBL makes countless eBooks available for free – and it’s entirely legitimate. As authors realise they can improve readership by making their books available to a curious audience that may not be willing to commit to a purchase, they are seeking new ways to offer the fruits of their labour. So they partner with TUEBL. eBooks for free in exchange for a greater reach, analytics, and user feedback. It’s the kind of rare sweet deal that really benefits everyone involved.

So have a look for yourself, give it a try. Share the good news with a friend. And let’s hope these mutually-beneficial relationships continue to blossom. Sometimes we can lose the wonder of creating new worlds and telling beautiful stories when we’re too focused on making $2.50 on a Kindle sale.

Recently, I’ve put my Photoshop skills to use in designing a book cover for my upcoming NA Fantasy, “Relic,” and have volunteered to create eCovers for a few others in a handful of Facebook writing groups. I do it because it’s fun, I can justify to myself that I’m doing something “productive” for my craft without actually having to write or edit anything, and it gets me connected to authors and stories I may have otherwise not known of.

But with enough praise and demand, I thought maybe I could start charging. I’ve seen others shell out creations for $25-$50 a pop, but I just couldn’t stomach charging up-and-coming writers so much for something I’ve been doing for free for so long. So, I thought I’d start at $2. That’s right. $2. Of course, that’s for “the basics,” but my maximum price is $15 for two complex covers to choose from. Sound too good to be true? My hope is that enough people will feel that way to really give me a wave of business to ride. If not, then I’ll hopefully make a few bucks with another very-part-time hobby. Not so bad.

And while I build my portfolio a bit more, I’m still offering one FREE basic cover to new customers. So what do you have to lose?

If you want an eCover for your latest novel, or for your very first Wattpad creation, or anything in between, why not give me a shot? And tell your friends! I’m no professional, but I think the work speaks for itself. Check out my Facebook Page for more information.

Whether you’re into fiction or non-fiction, this new service created by Crown Publishing Group (a division of Penguin Random House) wants to give you free books (available either as an eBook or a physical copy– physical copies only for US residents) to read and review on YOUR blog. Yes, that’s right: FREE books delivered to your door or your eReader for your reading pleasure.

You don’t even have to pay for shipping.

Simply visit the site, sign up, enter your information, answer a few questions, and just like that you’re ready to review.

Using Klout, Blogging for Books also pushes special offers and gives you greater access to more books based on your score. The higher your Klout score, the more choices you’ll have. (If you don’t already utilize Klout to keep your networks organized and constantly publishing content, I highly recommend it!)

You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. The most the program asks of you is to give honest reviews, and to add a bit on each post explaining that you’ve received the book from Blogging for Books as a review copy.

Bonus points if you work for a media outlet, retailer, library, ministry, or church. Indicate in your application that you’re a part of one of these organizations and you immediately become a “Blogging for Books Partner.” No need to even write a review on your blog if you don’t feel inclined– simply let the publisher know what you thought of the book.

My first book pick is on its way as I write this, but I couldn’t wait to share. Keep an eye out for my first review to come soon, and be sure to let your blogging buddies know, too!